Rivastigmine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 30, 2025.

Applies to rivastigmine: transdermal patch extended release.

Other dosage forms:

• oral capsule

Serious side effects of rivastigmine

Along with its needed effects, rivastigmine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking rivastigmine:

More common side effects

• bladder pain
• bloody or cloudy urine
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• frequent urge to urinate
• lower back or side pain

Less common side effects

• blurred vision
• dizziness
• headache
• loss of bladder control
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears
• slow or fast heartbeat

Rare side effects

• abdominal or stomach pain or tenderness
• arm, back, or jaw pain
• chest pain, tightness, heaviness, or discomfort
• confusion
• convulsions
• decreased urine
• difficult or troubled breathing
• dilated neck veins
• extreme fatigue
• false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts
• irregular breathing
• irregular heartbeat
• loss of consciousness
• rapid breathing
• seizures
• severe nausea or vomiting
• shortness of breath
• sunken eyes
• swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
• wrinkled skin

Incidence not known

• blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
• burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• hives or welts
• itching
• itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking rivastigmine:

Symptoms of overdose

• blurred vision
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• increasing muscle weakness
• irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• sweating
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• watering of mouth

Other side effects of rivastigmine

Some side effects of rivastigmine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• diarrhea
• discouragement
• fear
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• feeling sad or empty
• irritability
• lack of appetite
• lack or loss of strength
• loss of interest or pleasure
• nausea
• redness at the application site
• sensation of spinning
• stomach pain
• tiredness
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• upper stomach pain
• vomiting
• weight loss

Rare side effects

• blindness
• burning, stinging, or pain at application site
• continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
• decreased vision
• difficulty with moving
• eye pain
• hearing loss
• itchy skin
• muscle pain or stiffness
• pain in the joints
• pale skin
• tearing
• troubled breathing with exertion
• unusual bleeding or bruising

For healthcare professionals

Applies to rivastigmine: oral capsule, oral solution, transdermal film extended release.

Dermatologic adverse events

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperhidrosis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Rash
• Frequency not reported: Pruritus
• Postmarketing reports: Stevens-Johnson syndrome disseminated allergic dermatitis^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension, bradycardia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypotension
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Angina pectoris
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cardiac arrhythmia (e.g., bradycardia, atrioventricular block, atrial fibrillation, tachycardia)
• Frequency not reported: Sick sinus syndrome^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (47%), vomiting (31%)diarrhea (19%), abdominal pain (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia, salivary hypersecretion, upper abdominal pain, flatulence, eructation
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Gastric and duodenal ulcers
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): GI hemorrhage, pancreatitis
• Frequency not reported: Some cases of severe vomiting were associated with esophageal rupture^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary incontinence
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Elevated liver function tests, hepatitis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Tremor (23%), dizziness (21%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Somnolence, bradykinesia, dyskinesia, cogwheel rigidity, hypokinesia, vertigo, psychomotor hyperactivity, gait disturbance, Parkinson gait, headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Syncope, dystonia
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Seizures^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, confusion, depression, anxiety, hallucination, agitation, restlessness, nightmares^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Application site erythema, application site irritation (e.g., pruritus, rash)
• Postmarketing reports: Application site hypersensitivity, urticaria, blister, allergic dermatitis^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Anorexia (17%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Decreased appetite
• Frequency not reported: Dehydration^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, weight loss, fatigue, malaise, fall^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Rhinitis^[Ref]

Further information

Rivastigmine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer